England etched their names into FIFA World Cup folklore on Sunday night, becoming the first team ever to defeat Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in a World Cup match as they survived a dramatic second-half onslaught to seal a thrilling 3-2 Round of 16 victory.The famous triumph ended Mexico’s unbeaten World Cup record at the iconic stadium, where El Tri had gone 10 matches without defeat, including three victories during the 2026 tournament. It also sent England into their 11th FIFA World Cup quarter-final, with only Brazil (15) and Germany (14) having reached the last eight more often.The match also added another chapter to the history of the legendary venue, becoming the 24th FIFA World Cup game played at the Estadio Azteca, more than any other stadium in the competition’s history.
Bellingham double silences Azteca
In front of more than 80,000 passionate home supporters, Jude Bellingham delivered one of the finest performances of his international career, scoring twice in just 98 seconds to stun the hosts.The midfielder opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a powerful header before doubling England’s advantage two minutes later after combining brilliantly with captain Harry Kane.Mexico responded before halftime when Julián Quiñones pulled one back in the 42nd minute, ensuring the contest remained finely poised heading into the interval.The drama intensified shortly after the restart as England defender Jarell Quansah received a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo. The dismissal made Quansah only the fourth England player to be sent off at a FIFA World Cup and the first since Wayne Rooney in 2006.With England reduced to 10 men, head coach Thomas Tuchel responded by sacrificing Bukayo Saka for defender John Stones to reinforce the backline.
Kane delivers as England withstand late siege
Despite their numerical disadvantage, England struck a crucial third goal when Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel.The goal was Kane’s sixth of the tournament and his 14th overall at the FIFA World Cup, drawing him level with Germany legend Gerd Müller for fifth on the competition’s all-time scoring list. It also kept him within touching distance of Golden Boot leaders Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, who each have seven goals.Kane later conceded a penalty, becoming the first player since at least 1966 to both score and give away a spot-kick in the same World Cup match. Raúl Jiménez converted to reduce the deficit to 3-2, setting up a frantic finish.Mexico poured forward relentlessly during the final 21 minutes and 11 minutes of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and England’s resolute defence held firm to preserve the lead.The victory secured England’s place in a third consecutive World Cup quarter-final, where they will meet Norway and star striker Erling Haaland in Miami Gardens for a place in the last four.For Mexico, the defeat extended a painful trend. El Tri have now failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 in every World Cup since their home tournament in 1986.
